Newton County is a leader in Georgia in some unfortunate categories when it comes to health: Obesity, smoking, teen birth rate and in the number of sexually transmitted disease cases, according to a health survey released today.

Newton County commissioners are in for another tough budget cycle as they have to decide whether to cut the budget yet again or raise the millage rate, this time above the rollback rate, to account for declining tax revenues.

Sandra Lesny received an early birthday present from her husband for 2011. And 2012. And 2013. A trip to the EyeCon convention last week in Atlanta to see her favorite stars of the hit TV show "The Vampire Diaries."

She was joined by fans from all around the United States. Lesny is from Bremen, Germany, and she was far from the only foreign citizen to make the trip.

VILLA RICA, Ga. - After Girl Scout leaders said some of the younger girls feared being arrested during a February confrontation with police in Villa Rica at their cookie stand, another troop of Girl Scouts from the area decided to show their support for the officers.

Members of Troop 10442 visited the police station this week and surprised officers with plaques of appreciation, Girl Scout cookies and a scrapbook of thank you cards, the Times-Georgian of Carrollton reported.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Prevent Child Abuse Newton encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Newton County a better place for families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities.

ATLANTA - A Senate panel on Monday signed off on an $18.2 billion budget for the coming fiscal year that adds millions of dollars in new borrowing for capital projects for the state's university system and also finds funds for new investigators to track down tax cheats.

The spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1 was approved unanimously in the Senate Appropriations Committee. It's expected to face a vote by the full Senate later this week as Georgia's 2011 legislative session heads into its final days.